Time to take action and save migrant lives, UN agencies urge

The international community is being asked to take decisive action and save lives of migrants caught in crisis, as the world observes International Migrants Day on 18 December.

The United Nations estimates that there are 232 million migrants globally who have left their homes in search of a better life.

In his message for the International Day, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said migration is a powerful tool for reducing poverty and urged people and Governments to reject xenophobia and embrace migration.